Interviewing

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

In Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, Eleanor observes that people love to be asked questions about themselves, and I pondered that a bit – thinking about all the various online memes/quizzes/etc. - and decided that I agree with her.

I don’t want to be famous. I don’t think I’d care to be under such painful scrutiny or to be contemplated by a public that loves to see their heroes raked through the mud almost as much– if not more – than they enjoy seeing them rise. Celebrity culture is to wealthy Victorian social circles is to Regency England social circles is to the violence of gladiators hacking each other to bits during the Roman Empire. I don’t want my privacy invaded. But the idea of being known is kind of nice, the comfort of knowing you won’t completely slip into obscurity after you’re gone. I suppose the fame achieved by authors is the happy medium ground. You’re name is easily recognizable, but your face much less so, if at all.

I recognize the pleasure in answering questions, though. I’ve asked myself questions, mock interview style, so I could hear myself answer them. What face would I want to present to the swarming and hungry masses?

Anytime I’ve signed up at someplace like Nerve, I really only did so because I liked answering their stupid questionnaire. Inevitably, once it came to the dating, I’d answer some e-mails, send some e-mails, panic, send out apology letters before deleting my account. I’ve done this twice. On-line dating. Bah. Why can’t people just meet on their way to church like the good ole days?

Well, I don’t go to church. AND THERE’S NO SUCH FVCKING THING AS THE GOOD OLD DAYS!

My favorite Nerve “question” was:

____________________ is sexy. _______________ is sexier.

My answer was: Webster is sexy. The OED is sexier.

Mmmm, OED.

Anyhoo, I’m proposing an interview game. Pick someone you feel like interviewing and ask them a few questions. Once that person has answered his or her questions, they have to chose someone to interview, as well.

I’d like to interview Ponine.

1. You seem an avid fan of the fantastic. What is it you love the most about fantasy based films, novels, theme parks, etc.?

2. What is, for you, the most trying aspect of parenthood? The most rewarding?

3. Describe your first love experience in one sentence.

4. Describe for us an ideal day.

5. How do you feel about befriending people online?

Bonus: ____________________ is sexy. _______________ is sexier.